Posted by judy1 on January 1, 2001, at 12:52:10
In reply to Re: Bipolar type that cycles betw norm. and depressed? » judy1, posted by S.D. on January 1, 2001, at 1:44:28
Hi Neighbor,
Yes, Dr. Akiskal and the full professors at UCSD (Zisook another bipolar expert there) do not accept patients anymore; I was able to get a consultation because I am "interesting", a treatment resistant rapid cycler with a loaded family history. Anyway, one of the important factors that came out of that meeting was a ban on antidepressants and a trial on lamictal- which worked TOO well. Have you tried it yet, it is considered the one mood stabilizer with an antidepressant effect and it really does work well in a lot of people. As far as the more mainstream mood stabilizers, no they don't prevent depression in most people dxed with bipolar- even lithium according to more recent developments. I'm glad you went to Dr. Phelp's site (sp?), he also hates AD's, even with someone who has a somewhat muddled picture like you. Although you did allude to possible hypomanic states, which people tend to downplay because they feel good. As far as cycles, I've cycled in 1 day- and there are people who do so hourly (ultra-rapid), and often get confused with borderline- another disorder Akiskal puts on the bipolar spectrum. I realize a lot of his stuff is presented as posters at meetings and may not be published. I think I'm drifting here, but as some one else suggested, don't worry about the semantics, just find something that works. And I would try lamictal- good luck, Judy
poster:judy1
thread:50592
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/50673.html